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Feliz set for game action in return from TJ surgery

Feliz set for game action in return from TJ surgery

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By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Nefatli Feliz is coming up on his one-year anniversary of undergoing Tommy John elbow-reconstruction surgery. He will celebrate the moment by pitching in his first game since May 18, 2012.

Feliz, who underwent surgery on Aug. 1, 2012, is scheduled to pitch an inning for the Arizona Rookie League Rangers on Friday. He has been doing his rehabilitation work at the Rangers' facility in Surprise, Ariz., and threw live batting practice without problem Tuesday.

Feliz was the Rangers closer in 2010-11 before moving to the rotation last season. He made seven starts before developing the elbow problems that led to the surgery. The Rangers' immediate plan is to use Feliz in a relief role if he is able to pitch again this season. It's likely that he won't return until September at the earliest.

The Rangers will have three other pitchers working on rehab assignment this week. Matt Harrison (back surgery) is expected to pitch two innings on Wednesday for Double-A Frisco. He'll start for them again Sunday at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. Colby Lewis (elbow surgery) will start for Frisco on Saturday.

Michael Kirkman, who has been sidelined since June 7 while undergoing treatment for skin cancer, is scheduled to pitch five innings for Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.